Tough task in store for women at World Cup

AUSTRALIA will have its work cut out if it wants to make the semi-finals again at the 2014 Women's World Cup, starting against South Africa early tomorrow morning (AEST).

The Aussies will also face host France and Wales in their pool.

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The Wallaroos suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand (38-3) and Canada (22-0) in warm-up matches.

They had their best finish four years ago, winning the third-place playoff against France, but the warm-up losses were a worrying sign.

Five-eighth Tui Ormsby (pictured) will become the first Australian woman to play in four World Cups, while 12 players in the squad will make their World Cup debuts. New Zealand will go in as favourite having won the past four tournaments.

One of its players to watch will be winger Honey Hireme, nicknamed "Honey Bill" after cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams. The mother of three has been a star on the Sevens circuit.